X

COVID-19: Mental Health & Well-Being

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 and Mental Health and Well-Being
Information for educators to help them support
parents and caregivers

This can be a stressful and challenging time, particularly for those at home with children. When children and adolescents have questions during these uncertain times, it is important to answer questions in an honest, factual and developmentally appropriate manner. Validate their feelings and help to create a sense of safety and security for them based on current information in Montreal. Avoid giving them access to social media newsfeeds and television news (even in the background), in addition to keeping conversations to a minimum when children are in earshot. Even when they aren’t directly in front of us, children/teens are still listening. These are the messages we should be sending to parents and teachers should they reach out to us during this time.

We know that social distancing is one of the preventative measures to be taken during this time. However, with this it can create periods of isolation and loneliness, especially amongst those most vulnerable. It will be particularly important during this to reach out and connect with family, friends and colleagues using technology (FaceTime, zoom, google chat) and old school phone. Additionally, taking advantage of being outside in nature and going for walks can help to reduce feelings of boredom and isolation. These messages can also be shared with our families, staff and friends.

For more information on how parents and caregivers can manage with children at home please see the Student Services Resources on the LBPSB webpage. 

 

Guidelines for Parents

Promote a sense of safety and security

Focus on what you are doing to keep them safe

 

Talk to your children about the Coronavirus

Ask them to tell you what they know and if they have any questions

Correct any misinformation in tune with their developmental level 

 

Maintain routines and structure

Explain that they are not on vacation

Ensure a regular, but flexible schedule for meals, activities, schoolwork, bedtime, etc.

When both parents are working from home it may be helpful to take turns being with children

When only one parent is working at home attempt to maintain a schedule when you are most available for the children

 

Provide and Monitor activities 

For younger children, encourage board games, arts & crafts, toys, favourite movies, stories, etc.

For older children and adolescents determine interesting and healthy activities that they can enjoy

For all ages, children should be encouraged to go outside and engage in physical actives and exercise as much as possible

Avoid unlimited video games, social media and isolation with their devices

Consider online educational activities such as www.learnquebec.ca; www.scholastic.ca; www.virtualmuseum.ca

For more detailed educational materials see LBPSB webpage 

 

Monitor exposure to news programs, social media and internet

Limit access to information that may be disturbing to children 

 

Model healthy lifestyle, good hygiene, and exercise 

 

Talking to Children about COVID 19

How to support your child's well-being

Comment favoriser le bien-être général de votre enfant 

Reasons why we connect with parents and students

Pourquoi entrer en contact avec les parents et les élèves ? 

Dr. Cecile Rousseau on talking to your children

Creating a nurturing home environment

National Association of School Psychologists

Do Not Keep Children in the Dark about COVID 19

La Presse article on keeping children informed

 

Dealing with Normal Stress and Anxiety 

Coronavirus anxiety is a normal response

Managing Stress in a Healthy Way

La Presse article on dealing with children at home

 

Parent Self-Care

La Presse, maintaining healthy practices 

Supporting children and young people with worries 

 

Maintaining Structure and Routine

La Presse, maintaining a schedule

Physical health and wellness